Tehran could create instability along regional aviation routes to block aircraft moving between east and west, an Iranian state television commentator said. The speaker claimed Iran has the capability to disrupt up to 2,500 flights a day by making Azerbaijani airspace unsafe, creating a 'wall' across corridors in a region already constrained by Houthi attacks in Saudi Arabia and the war in Russia.

The warning comes after the Supreme National Security Council denied plans for military retaliation over flight bans triggered by US sanctions. While the council said it is negotiating with concerned nations to lift 'illegal' restrictions, it stated that non-military measures could be used against specific airports. Earlier, the UAE and airports in Iraqi cities including Najaf, Erbil, and Sulaimaniya suspended services for Iranian carriers, prompting an adviser to the Supreme Leader to demand airspace be open to all or none.